Switzerland and the European Defence Agency have finalized an expanded cooperation framework that will allow the country to participate in a broader range of European Union defense initiatives while maintaining its neutrality policy.
What Does the Updated Swiss-EDA Arrangement Change?
The revised Administrative Arrangement replaces a 2012 framework that limited cooperation to research and innovation, EDA said Monday. The new terms give Switzerland structured access to EDA programs spanning capability development, joint procurement, training and industrial cooperation, particularly through partnerships between EU Ministries of Defence and Switzerland’s Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport.
In line with the new framework, Switzerland will provide an expert, who will be part of the agency staff.
EDA Chief Executive Andre Denk said the broader scope will allow Switzerland to contribute more to European defense innovation while learning from partner nations, noting that the update reflects EDA’s commitment to strong defense cooperation beyond EU borders.
Bern has already expanded its role in EDA initiatives, including participation in the Hub for European Defence Innovation, the agency’s incubator focused on developing, testing and prototyping new technologies. EDA member states agreed in 2024 that the administrative framework with Switzerland should be updated to reflect the expanded partnership.
Swiss Federal Councillor Martin Pfister called the revision an important milestone in the partnership, now in its 13th year.